Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation after the country was ranked the fourth most terrorized nation globally in the latest Global Terrorism Index.
In a strongly worded statement, Obi described the ranking as a reflection of leadership failure, warning that Nigeria appears to be moving in the opposite direction compared to many countries that are recording declines in terrorism.
“This is a painful indictment of failed leadership,” he said.
According to the report, Nigeria recorded about 750 terrorism-related deaths in 2025, marking a 46 percent increase from the previous year.
The index also highlighted that the Sahel region—including Nigeria—has become the global epicentre of terrorism, accounting for nearly half of such deaths worldwide for the third consecutive year.
Obi attributed the troubling trend to systemic governance issues, including poor prioritization, corruption, weak institutions, and inadequate attention to national security.
He pointed to persistent threats from insurgent groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, alongside increasing cases of kidnappings and attacks by armed bandits across rural communities.
Lamenting the human cost, Obi said, “Nigerians are dying daily while those in power continue to feast.”
He also questioned the fundamental role of government in ensuring citizens’ safety.
“What is the purpose of government if it cannot protect lives? Why are we normalizing tragedy while other nations make progress?” he asked.
Calling for urgent reforms, Obi urged leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward improving security.
“We must shift from excuses to action, and from failure to measurable progress,” he said, stressing that safety and protection remain fundamental rights of every Nigerian citizen.
